Semecarpus

Semecarpus, a genus of polypetalous trees, of which the S. Anacardium is the Marking-nut Tree of India, a deciduous tree growing in the sub-Himalayan tract. An ink much used in that country for marking cotton cloths is obtained from the acrid juice of the pericarp of the fruit. Lime-water is added to improve the ink. The fleshy cup of the ripe fruit is eaten raw, but it is better when roasted. Bird-lime is made of the fruit in its green state. The wood also contains an acrid juice which causes swelling and irritation, in consequence of which the timber is not put to any use.